Process of and apparatus for molding hollow lasts



Dec. 2, 1930. w. .1. DE WITT 1,733,915

PROCESS 'OF AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING HOLLOW LASTS Filed Feb. '1, 1927 5sneets -sneet- 1 Dec. 2, 1930.

w. J. DE WITT 1,783,915

PROCESS OF AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING HOLLOW LASTS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledFeb. '7. 1927 ,fiivem 129W 7 W -W;',

Dec. 2, 1930. w. J. DE wrr'r 1,783,915

PROCESS OF AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING HOLLOW LASTS Filed Feb. 7. 1927 5Sheets-Sheet 3 Z vzzfl'evi207 4682224772, fzem,

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Dec. 2, 1930. w. J. DE WITT PROCESS OF AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING HOLLOWLASTS Filed Feb. 7. 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 W. J. DE WITT Dec. 2, 1930.

PROCESS OF AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING HOLLOW LASTS- 5 Sheets-Sheet 5Filed Feb. 7-. 1927 Patented Dec. 2 1930 WILLIAM J. DE

wrrr, on 4111311311, nEw YORK, Assie-non rosnon roam a'olsunn, newXOR-K, eooneone'rron or Newton oo.,1ico., or

rnoo'nss orenn arranarusron vronnino orinow LAs'rs Application filedFebruary 7,1927. Serial No. 5.56315.

This'invention pertains to a process ofand apparatus for making shoeforms or hollow lasts from normally 'Sfilfi sheet material, for

example, celluloid, andconstitutesan improvement upon the process andapparatus disclosed in my Patent No. 1,585,284:,*dated lvilay 18,'1926.-

The process described in aforesaidpatout isjhi hly useful and results inthe production of substantially perfectand cmmer V cially acceptableforms or lasts, while the apparatus disclosed in said patentis also o'l-a practical character, but-as the result'of fur ther e2: aerimenlt Ihave so 1m roved m r1or process and apparatuses to enable me vto produceforms or lasts more rapidlyjand with less consumption oi hea't thanformerly and by the employment of relatively unskilled and cheap labor-.Ithus speed up production and lessen the cost thereof which isiof greatimportance from the commercial standpoint,

' SilOVfH certain other aarts' 7 since the shoe trade demands thatorders for such forms or lasts be filled'with the utmost e'xpedition,and the competition in this in dustry is extremely keen.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated-by way of examplea-preferred apparatus useful in the practice of my im-' proved process,and in the drawings',";

Fig. 1 is a front elevation, with certain parts shown in section,illustrating the com-f. plete machine with its parts in normal pos -vtion; 7 i i v I r Fig. 2 is a side elevation with parts broken awayandcertain parts in section, viewed. from the left-hand side of Fig. 1,theparts being in the same posltlon'as shown In Flg. 1;,

Fig. 3 'isja iew generally similar to Fig. 2, omitting many ofthegpartsand showing o ne partsin section on the line 3 3 ofFig,

I the parts being shown in the position which they occupy during themolding operation,

'Fig. 4 a planview of the machine as in Fig. :1 but omitting the Fig. 5is a fragmentary vertical section to larger scale, showinga device forapply ng attaching solution tothe ends of the cross bars of the last;Fig; 6 is a perspective view, partly broken the linei9-9 of Fig. 10,showing details of hood and away, showing one of the'blafnk" supportingshelvesused in the blank steaming chamber;

Fig. 7 is a plan view, partly i'n horizontal ploye'dj for setting the"cross bars of the last after theyhave' been molded and fixed in o'sition; Fig. 8 is a vertical section substantially on the-line of Fig.7;7

' Fig. 9 is a verticalsection substantially on across bar heating andmolding-device;

' "Fig. .lOis "ayertical section on theline -Fig.11- is a verticalsection showingde Fig. '12 is a transverse vertical section,,to

section, illustrating a 'cooling device em-'-' tails of a device forcooling and setting the I forepa-rts of the lasts after molding;

larger scale, through the last-supporting shaft, substantially ontheline of Fig. 1; ig; 13 is a diagrammatic rear view of the pipeconnections at chine; and

t e back side of the ma- 7 14 i's'aplaii view, partly broken away, 7

showing across bar used forbracing'the hollow form or last. I i f Myimproved apparatus preferably comprises a substantially horizontal tableof moreor less U-shape as illustrated in Fig.4, having the central rearportion 1 and the forwai dly'directed wings 2 and?) disposed ateithersidebf the machineand between which the operator may stand. Thetable may conveniently be madeas aJu-nitary casting, al though this isnotesseiitial, and I preferably provide bosses 4 and 5;(Fig. 11projectingdownwardly near the ends of the wings'2 and 3,"re spectively-,the bosses being hollow and for the receptionoftheupper ends of thefront legs 6 and 7, respectively. The legs- 6 and 7 are furnished withfeet 8 and 91'8- spectively' at their lower ends, Preferably thesefeetare of tripod shape to provide an extended bearing and stable supportforthe'" legs.

providing sockets,jscrew. threaded'if desired, Y V

I also furnish bosses 10 and 11 at the rear part {of the table and thesebosses a-re'provided' with socket openings, which may be screwthre'adedasjadesired, for the reception" of the upper ends of the legs 12 and 13,re spectively. These legs are furnished with feet 14 and 15 respectivelyat their lower ends and like the front feet, these rear feet arepreferably of tripod shape and of sutficient area to provide a stablesupport for the machine. Preferably the front and rear legs are formedof ordinary pipe of suitable size, thus reducing the cost ofconstruction. Obviously, if desired, the several legs might be formed inother ways, for example, as castings attached in any desired manner tothe table top.

I provide the rear edge of the table with a substantially vertical backmember or wall 16, and I also provide vertical side walls 17 and 18extending along the outer edgesof the wings 2 and 3 respectively. Asindicated in Figs. 2 and 3, these side walls 17 and 18 may taper invertical height from thepoint of their connection to the rear wall 16 totheir forward ends. a

The central part 1 of the table is provided with spaced substantiallyvertical guard walls 19 and 20 extending forwardly from the back wall 16to which they may be integrally united, if desired. These guard wallsare spaced apart a sufficient distance to provide a chamber between themfor the reception of the inflatable pillow or cushion 21,

which forms one of the molding instrumentahtles, as described in mypatent above referred to. In the present arrangement-this pillow ispreferably substantially rectangular and rests in a downwardly concavecradle formed by a pair of curved plates 22 and 23 whose upper edgesrest against and may, if desired, be connected to the guard walls 19 and20 respectively, and whose lower edges rest upon. the upper surfaceofthe table mem her 1. These cradle members 22 and 23 are substantiallyrigid and form a support for the pillow and by reason of their concaveshape determine to some extent at least the shape of the pillowwhen thelatter is inflated.

The table is provided with an opening immediately beneath the pillow orcushion 21 and the cushion is furnished with a nipple 24 (Fig. 3)projecting downwardly through this opening and connected by means of apipe 25 toa valve 26 having an operating handle 27. The inlet of thevalve 26 is connected to a pipe 28 leading to steam-supply ing means ashereinafter described.

Just forward of the cushion or pillow 21' the central part 1 of thetableis furnished with a trough-like depression 29 (Figs. 1 and 3)having the flange 29 at its forward edge. A drain pipe 30. leads fromthe bottom of this trough like depression 29, and preferably this drainpipe is provided with a strainer,

not shown, to prevent tacks, dirt, or other material from passing downinto the pipe 30.

The rear legs 12 and 13 are provided respectively with supportingbrackets 31 and 32 (Fig. 1) which carry the warming shelf 33 (Figs. 1and 2) disposed in a plane substantially below that of the table top.This warming shelf 33 is hollow, being formed in any desired manner, as,for example, a unitary casting of sheet material pressed into shape, andhas the interior chamber or reservoir 34 (Fig. 2) for the reception ofhot Water. 7 The pipe from trough 29 discharges into this reservoir.

Preferably, I provide the warming shelf 33 with side walls 35 and 36 anda rear wall 37, which extend up to the under side of the table top towhichthey may be attached, if desired. If these walls 35, 36 and 37 aresecurely attached to the table top the brackets 31 and 32 may beomitted.

A drain pipe 38 (Fig. 2) projects upwardly into the chamber 34 to such adistance as to determine the desired water level within said chamber.The upper surface 39 of the warming shelf 33 furnishes a support uponwhich I place a reserve supply of forepart blanks which are subsequentlyto be molded. The hot water within the chamber 34 keeps the shelfsurface 39 warm and as the sides, rear, and top of the space above theshelf 33 are closed, the heat of the water within the hollow shelf keepsthe air in the space above the shelf sufficiently warm at all times toheat the blanks piled on the shelf and thus to render them somewhat morepliable than when cold. I have indicated two piles of blanks 40 and 41respectively, which may be considered to be right and left blanks, andfrom these piles the operator withdraws blanks from time to time ashereafter described and replaces them with new and cool blanks.

On some convenient part of the support ing structure, for example uponthe outer surfaces of the guard walls 19 and 20, I arrange supportingbrackets 42 and 43 respectively, having aligned openings for thereception of substantially horizontal rods 44 and 45 respectively. Theserods may turn in the bearing openings'in the brackets and may also beadjusted endwise therein and I provide suitable set screws 46 forretaining them in adjusted position.

The forward ends of the rods 44 and 45 carry respectively the yokes 47and 48 provided with adjusting screws for supporting bearings 49 and 50respectively. These bearings support a rock shaft 51 which extendstransversely across the forward end of the cushion or pillow 21. Byadjustment of the rods 44 and 45 I may vary the position of the shaft 51relative to the front edge of the cushion, so as to accommodate forms orlasts of different sizes or styles, and for the same reason I may adjustthe shaft 51 vertically by means of the adjustable bearings 49 and 50.

The shaft 51 is provided with collars 52 to prevent it from movingendwise in its bearings and at its left-haiid end this shaft proj ectssubstantially beyond the bearing 49 and carries a pulley 53.. Thispulley is fixed'to the shaft audfis provided'with a groove .for

the reception of a helical coiled spring l,

" one end ofwhichis attached to "the pulley and the other end ofwhich'is secured to. a

hook or other suitable element .fiXed to the-table. The arrangement-ofthiszspring upon. the pulley is such thatit tends to turn the shaft 51in a clockwise direction, as viewed inFig.2.. a

The shaft51 also carries acrank arm 5'6 which. may conveniently beformedintegrallywith the pulley 53. This crank arm nor-i mally occupies thepositionindicatedin Fig. 2 and is provided with an opening at its freeend for the reception of'on'e .end of acord, 3 chain orother flexibleactuating element 57 'This chain or cord 57 passes down througl'i'anopening in the rear of'the table, thenceover suitable guides 58 and 58-(l ig. 3) and is attached at its lower end to a loop or.i.hook

59, substantially midway of the length of a.

lso dispose'this latch that whenthe pedal lever is depressed the latchwill. snap .over thelever and hold the latter in. its lowermost positionuntil the latch is releasedby the'foot ofthe operator. Sincethespecificfdetai'ls of *thislatc'h form no part ofthis inventiom'it isunnecessary to describeit further.

W The rock shaft is furnished with a socket opening-51 (Fig. 12) at apointin the shaft substantially opposite to the middle of'the cushion orpillow-21." Tliis"socket opening 51 is preferably internally screw,threaded and is adapted to receive" any selected-one;

, of a series of last-supportingjacks These" jacks are intended tocooperate} respectively I with lasts ofthe various styles commouly'employed, and to support this series of jacks I preferably provide abracketfTO secured to] the side wallmember 17 of thetable and furnishthisbra'cket with a plurality of screwthreadedsocket openings in whichthe reserve jacks 68 (Fig. 2) maybe retained. If desired, reserve lasts,as indicatedfor example at '69 in Fig.2, may be mounted upon thesereservejacks. In Fig. 3 the working'last 69 is shown mounted-upon thejack 68 carried by the shaftbl, and aszabo'vesuggested this- .last andack maybe replaced by others when ever desired. I V,

I' attach a hollow housing or casing 71 (Fig.2) to the rear wall16 ofthetable." This .both faces with housing-orcasing is closed alllsidesexcept its front, butat-its frontis' provided *with an opening 72 justabove the upper edge. of theback memberlfi of the table. Preferably Iprovide an upwardly opening hinged door 7 3 for closing the upperportion of this-open ing, and furnish. a handle lever 7 2 for open ingthe door when desired. spring 72"; (Fig. l) retainsathe door in openposition whendesired. 4

In the; mid portion of thiscasingYl; I. provide its side walls withledgesorwgrooves A flat friction adapted-to support a seriesofsuperposed I shelves 74. As shown in. Fig. 6 these "shelvespreferablyconsist ofaopen-work framesg75 of suitable stilf materialadapted tosupport theweightof the blanks which are placed thereon. IPreferably these frames or-sl ele tons are of grid-like constructionand-"len close the frame or skeleton of'the shelf in a bag ornslip 76:formed ofabsorbent'and vpervior-Is textile fabric. Under some circuni- Ystances I-may omit this fabric-altogether, or I may in some casesprefer-to substitute material other than textile material, for example,asbestos fiber or the like iThetseveral shelves 74 are spaced apart adistance. at least great enough 'to receive between -adj'acent shelvesone ofthe forepart blanks, butpreferably the shelves are :not spacedmuch more than the thickness of a blank since I prefer to have the blankin substantial contact upon the: absorbent" covering of.

adjacent shelves...

A'stand .pipe7'l" extends up into the lower part offthe casing 171 so asto maintain a water level in this casing at a point just below thelowermost of the shelves;

the warm water overflowing into the stand pipe Z7 is. delivered into"th'eichamber 34 in the warming shelf. A pipe .78 supplies steamtothe'interior ofthe casing 71-. This pipe 78 isfurnished'witl acontrolxvalve 9 (Figs. f

1 and 13) by means of which the amount of steam delivered to thezcasing71 may be re ulated. .I I

lPreferably 1 mount a hood 80 above cushion'or'pillow 21. Asa convenientway of supportin this hood I furnish its lower edges with tanges 81 and82 respectively,

adapted to restupon'the upper edges of the. guard walls 18 andQOI A pipe83 extendsfrom thetop of the hood to a'suitable ex haust apparatus, notshown, and by this means fumesand vapor evolved during the moldingoperation are carried away from the vicinity of the workmen.

. The hood 80 provides a convenient support for shelves 8% and Sladapted tosupport reserve supplies 85' and 85 of .cross bar blanks Theblanks ofthe. piles85 and 85' maybe lefts' and rights, respectively,which are thus kept separate and in convenient The stand pipe 77 isconnected by asuitable pipe 7 7 to thehollow warming, shelf 33'so thatposition to be picked up by the operator. )Vhen supported in thisposition the reserve cross bar blanks are kept warm so that they aresomewhat pliable prior to the molding operation. If desired I may mountupon the outside of the hood a tool box 86 which forms a convenientreceptacle for such small tools, for example, knives, tack hammers,etc., as may be required forthe workmen.

The left-hand wing 2 of the table is provided-with an opening 87 (Figs.9 and 10) surrounded by the downwardly directed flange or nipple 88.Above this opening I mount the cross bar heater 89.. This heater isprovided with a base 90 which is securely attached to the wing 20f thetable by means of bolts or otherwise, preferably with interposition ofpacking material between it and the table. This base carries anopen-topped elongate trough-like receptacle or casing 91' and forconvenience the base is so shaped that the plane of the top of thisreceptacle 91 is inclined to the top of the table and forwardlytowardthe position of the workman. The

. receptacle 91 is furnished with a transverse web 92 extending fromopening 93 at its rear side between it and the wall of the receptacle.This web 92 carries a hollow support 94 having an internal chamber 95and a top wall 96 downwardly concave in a transverse direction asindicated at 97. Across this upper surface 97 of the support I arrange apad 98,

preferably of textile fabric and preferably consisting of severalsuperposed layers of v such fabric. This pad of fabric is clamped inposition by means of a frame 99 which engages the edges of the pad andwhich is secured to the support by means of screws 100. The upper wall96 of the support is furnished with one or more passages or openings 101connecting the chamber 95 with the space immediately below the textilepad 97.

A steam supply pipe 102 extends up through the opening 87 and passesthrough the lower wall of the support 94 to supply steam to the chamber95. The pipe 102 is connected to a valve 103 (Fig. 2) having acontrolling handle 104 (Figs. 1 and 2) within convenient reach of theoperator. The inlet end of this valve 103 is connected by a pipe 105 toa T-connection 106 to which the main steam supply pipe 107 is connected.This steam supply pipe may be provided, if desired, with a controllingvalve V 2) for shutting old the steam completely from the machine whennot in use and this supply pipe 107 is normally furnished with lowpressure steam from any suitable source.

An exhaust pipe 108 leads from the chamber 95 in the cross bar heaterand extends substantially parallel with the pipe 105 and thence upwardlyat the rear of the machine and is connected to the controlling valve 79.Thusthe steam exhausted from the cross bar heater passes through thepipe 108,

through valve 79 and the pipe 78, to the steaming chamber within thecasing 71. The overflow water (condensed steam) from this chamber, asabove described, passes directly into the warming shelf 33 from whichthe overflow is carried away by the pipe 38.

An exhaust pipe 109' is connected to the nipple 88 surrounding theopening 87 above described, and this pipe 109 is connected to the pipe83 at. any suitable point, not shown. Thus any steam or vapor risingfrom the pad 98 is sucked down through .the opening 93 in the casing 91and away from the vicinity of the operator.

Referring to Fig. 13, the T-connection 106 is connected by a pipe 110 toa valve casing 111. This valve casing is provided with a rotary valvehaving an actuating handle or lever 112 (Figs. 2 and 13) a spring 113(Fig. 2) is connected to this lever, the other end of the spring beingattached to the back wall 16 of the table. The tendency of the spring113 is to close this valve. A link 114 is connected to the valve lever112 and extends downwardly below the table and is secured at its lowerend to a bracket 115 projecting from the pedal lever 60. Preferably thelink 114 is adjustable in length by means of a turnbuckle 116. Theweight of the pedal lever 60 is supported by means of a spring 117, thusrelieving the valve spring 113 of this duty.

From the delivery end of the valve casing 111 a pipe 119 extends to aT-connection 120 from which the pipe 28 leads to the pillow or cushion.

A pipe 121 (Fig. 13) extends upwardly from the connection 106 and leadsto a valve 122 having a controlling handle 123. From this valvethe pipe124 leads to the connection 120. The valve 122 is normally adjusted topermit but a small flow of steam, and as the pipe 121 is at all timesconnected with the supply 107, a small amount of steam constantly entersthe cushion'of the pillow,

but this quantity is not suflicient to inflate the pillow but merely tokeep it near the working temperature.

As some operators prefer to use the cushion or pillow 21 for molding thecross bars instead of the heater 89, I provide a by-pass pipe 121leading directly from the pipe 121 to the pipe 108 (Fig. 13) so thatsteam may be delivered directly to the casing 71 without passing throughthe heater 89. A valve 121 controls the flow of steam through the pipe121.

Upon the left-hand wing 2 of the table I mount a cross bar cooler 125(Figs. 7 and 8).

This cooler comprises a base 126 which is se- T.

cured to the wing 2 by bolts or in any other suitable manner and atubular substantially cylindrical shell 127 provided with an elongateslot or opening 128 in the upper part of its cylindrical wall.. Anair-tight bag 129, Li.

preferably of rubber, is disposed within the shell 127 and'this bagisfurnished with a nipple 130 passing out through a suitable opening inthe shell and having a screw-threaded end, 131 for attachment to anairpump or other suitable supply of'compre'ssed 111: or

' gas. l i hen the tube 129 is fully inflated, a

portion of it protrudes through theslot 128,

'as' indicated at 132 (Fig. 8), thus presenting pins provided at theshank portion ofthe molding last for retaining the side portion of theforepart blank in position.

: I mount a bracket 133 (Figs. 1 and 4) upon the guard wall 20 or otherconvenient; part of the frame and furnish this bracket with an elongateslot 134 for the reception of a pivot stud 135 projecting 'down from aboss 136 tacle 137. This holder'is adapted to receive a removablereservoir 138 having a cover 139 provided with a slot 140 through whichprojects a fluid-applying disk 141. This reservoir with its disk is morefully described in my, copending application, Serial No. 109,47 8, filedMay-17, 1926, and formsno essential part of the present invention. f Itisto be noted, however, that the support 137. herein provided may beswung about a vertical-axis by loosening the nut 135 upon the stud 135 2so that the plane in which the wheel or disk as follows, itbeingunderstood that the parts,

to prevent escape of the air.

141 turns maybe varied to suit the convenience of theoperator. Likewisethe support 137 may be moved longitudinally. of the bracket 133 for thesame purpose, and the receptacle may readily be removed from the holderfor cleaning or filling.

A forepart cooling device 142 (Figcll) is mounted upon the right-handwing 3 'of :the table- This cooling device preferably comprises atrough-like casing having side walls 143 and a curved rear wall 144.This casing has a cross bar 145 near its rear end andalso a cross bar146 at itsfo'rward end, the latter preferably bein removable. 'Aninflatable air-tight bag 14. is disposed within this "receptacle and isclamped beneath -'the"cross bar 146 at a point near its forward end.This bag 147 is furnished with a nipple 148 projecting through a hole inthereceptacle and 3 by means of which the bag may be inflated, it

being understood that this nipple 148 aswell as the nipple 130 of thebag129, previously described, is furnished with a valve of the typeusually employedin' a. pneumatic tire The operation of the device issubstantially when not in use, occupy the positions shown inFigr 1.Before startingthe machine the operator turns on the steam-and placespiles these blanks have become suitably warm and and 41 and lays thembetween the shelves 74 in the steaming chamber. The blanks are allowedto remain in this chamberfor a few niinutesuntil they have become quitepliable; I The operator then quickly withdraws" one of *these blan'ks'from the steaming chamber and lays it upon the cushion 21, it beingunderstood" that he has already placeda last69 upon thespindle or'jack68 carried by the of blanks at the positions 'iindicated "at 40 and 41and85 and 85 respectively; When the working parts of the machinehavebeen warmed up nearly to operating temperature, --the operator takesblanks from the piles 40 is'h'aft 51. "The operator now*dep resses the Vppeda l 61 until the pedal "lever is engaged by the latch'66 and heldlocked in its downward.

1114 actuates the valve in casing 111 and ad-' inits a full supply ofsteam to. the interior of the cushion 21,- quickly inflating the latterupon the base of ashallow ho'lder or recepcushion, thus causing theblankto conform to the curved surface'of the last. The operator nowtakes theside portions of the blank and draws them up over the bottom[of the -last,securingthem tothe bottom of the'last by meansof tacks orby the use of pins fixed for this purpose inthe bottom of the last.

"When the side "portions of the blank have thus been secured inposition, theoperator releases the latch'66, permitting the spring 54 toreturn the shaft 51 with the jack and last to normal p osition,-at thesame time outtin'g'down the steam supply to the cushion.

The operator-now removes the last from the jack and with his handquickly wipes in the soft edge portion of the-blank over'the bottom ofthe last at the toe portion, and he then pressesthe inturned edge of thematerial at the toe portion down upon the cool cushion 142*so as tocausethe edge of the blank to lie smoothly against the under surfaceof'the last at the toe portion of the latter. As the cushion 142-iscool, the blankrapidly cools while pressed against this cushion, so thatit 1 retains the flat shapeimp arted thereto by this *pressure. I r 1The operator now applies the usual twoply cross bar or cross bars to theform upon the last and for this purpose removes the appropriate crossbarfrom one or the other of the boxes84 or 84 and after separatingitsplies-a and b at its opposite ends, an operation which is facilitated bythe cut-away corner 0, as shown in Fig. 1 4, he moistens the inner facesof the plies by the use of'the wheel 141, and then applies the oppositeends of the;

cross bar to the inturned flange-like edge portions of the molded formso'that the cross bar extends across the ball portion of-the last,

'uniting the edges of the molded form. In

order to cause the cross bar to fit the bottom of the last snugly andalso to cause it to adhere properly to the flange portions of the hollowform, the operator presses the last 69 with the hollow form thereonbottom down against the steam heated pad 98, celluloid or .other sheetmaterial of which the form is made. 7

After the completed form has been withdrawn from the last the operatoragain withdraws a forepa-rt blank from one of the shelves 74; and placesit upon the cushion 21 ready for the next operation. Preferably eachtime that a blank is withdrawn from one of the shelves 74, acorresponding blank is removed from one of the piles 4O or41 and ishedas the work proceeds.

As already pointed out, the exhaust steam from the cross bar heater 89is delivered to the steaming chamber 71 where it is available forheating the forepart forms, and from this chamber 71 the hot condensateis'led to the warming shelf 33Wl161G its remaining heat is available forpreheating the blanks piled upon this shelf. The heat supply is thusused in the most economical manner, reducing the cost of production andat the same time avoiding the overheating of the Workroom. By theprovision of the guard walls 19 and and the back wall 16' partiallyenclosing the cushion or pillow 21, the molding operation is carried outin an atmosphere of substantially uniform and unvarying temperature andmoisture content so that very certain and uniform results areobtainable. With the arrangement disclosed, all of the severalinstrumentalities employed in making the form are grouped in the-mostconvenient way with reference to the position of the operator, and theseveral appliances to which heat is supplied are furnished withcontrolling valves by means of which the operator may regulate thetemperature with great accuracy so that under all conditions goodresults may be obtained. Moreover, by arranging the parts in therelative positions herein disclosed the operator, even though relativelyunskilled, is able to produce. good results at high speed, and by thecontrol of the steam supply for the cushion as herein illustrated, amuch smaller quantity of steam is used than if the cushion wereconstantly fully inflated, while at the same time the operator may workin a cool atmosphere substantially free from vapor.

While I have herein disclosed one desirable embodiment of my invention,I wish it to be understood that this is merely by way of example andthat various changes in relative position and proportion of parts aswell as in the materials employed may be made without departing from thespirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. That process of molding hollow shoe forms or lasts from normallystiff sheet material which comprises as steps subjecting a piece of thesheet material to the action of a medium adapted to soften and increasethe pliability of such sheet while concomitantly molding a blankpreviously treated to make it pliable, transferring the first-namedblank to a molding position while continuing to subject it to the actionof the softening medium, further increasing the pliability of the blank,and molding the blank about a shoe last by pressure including manualmanipulation.

2. That process of molding hollow shoe 'forms from normally stiff sheetmaterial which comprises as steps subjecting a piece of the sheetmaterial to the action of heat to make it pliable While concomitantlymold ing'another piece of the material previousl treated to make itpliable, transferring sairl first piece to molding position whileconstantly maintaining it ata high temperature, and drawing the blankwhile warm and soft about a shoe last.

3. That process-of molding hollow shoe forms from normally stiff sheetmaterial which comprises as steps sub ecting a piece of the material tothe combined action of heat'and'moisture whereby to soften it and makeitpliable, molding a previously softened piece "of the material whilesoftening the first-named piece, transferrin said first;

named piece to a molding position while maintaining it in a hot andmoist atmosphere, and comforming said piece to the outerv surface of ashoe last while softening another piece.

L/That process of molding hollow forms or lasts from sheet celluloidwhich comprises as steps cutting a blank from the sheet celluloid,subjecting said blank to the action of warm substantially dry air.replacing said blank by a second blank and subjecting the first blank toa hot, moist atmosphere whereby to make it pliable, transferring thesoftened blank while protecting it from cold air to a molding positionand conforming it while soft to the outer surface of a shoe last,

and transferring the second blank to the hot moist atmosphere whilesubjecting a third in-a hot moist atmosphere,

des1redshape.-

7 material in achamber containing hot vapor i last.

" 7. That process of molding hollow forms" whereby to heat the blank andsoftenvit, re: moving the blank from} the chamber and while keeping. ithot placingit upon, a heated cushion, and pressing a shoe last upon thevblank While resting-upon the cushion where: by to conform the blank tothe surface of the from sheet celluloid which comprises as stepssoftenin a blank of sheet celluloid to make it pliable, laying'the blankwhile still soft upon a yielding cushion,- and pressing a last upon thesoftenedblankwhereb-y to conform the blank to the shape of the last. 7

8. That process :ofmolding hollow lasts from sheet celluloid whichcomprises as steps softening .a blank of sheetcelluloidto make itpliable, layingthe previously; softened blank'upon a yielding cushion,while maintaining the ;pliabilityof, the blank, pressing ashoe last downupon it and drawing the edges of the blank-over the bottom of the lastwhereby to conform the blank to the surface ofthe last. l I

9. That process; of moldinghollow shoe forms or lastsfromsheeticelluloid"which comprises as steps softening a sheet celluloidblank by the action of heatcwhereby to make it pli'able,;and whilekeeping it in a hot atmosphere laying the blank upon a heatedandyielding cushiomand PI'GSSIH" a so spaced. that a blank of the materialto be surface of the last. I p l i 10. That process of moldinghollowforms l n a a shoe last upon the y eldmgly supported blank wherebyto conform the blank to the or lasts from sheet celluloid, whichcomprises as steps, subjecting a sheet celluloid blank to the action ofheat and moistureto soften it, and While maintaining it in a hot andmoist atmospherelayingthe softened blank against a pervious steam filledcushion and pressing a shoe last against the blank of the last.

whereby to conform the blank tothe shape 11; Apparatus for moldingnormally stiff sheet material'comprising a hollowhousing,

a pervious moisture absorbent shelf within the housing forsup'por'tingablank to be molded, and means for supplying steam to' the housing. V vV 12. Apparatus for 'molding normally stiff sheet material comprising ahollowihousing, a plurality of superposed moisture absorbent shelveswithin the housing for supporting between. which it is placed. 7 V

13. Apparatusfor molding normally stiff sheet material, comprising ahollow housing, a shelf Within the housing for supporting a moldedcontacts with each of two shelves frame and a covering of moistureabsorbent material and means for su l in steam to a g PPY V means foradmitting steam to saidchamber,

andmeans for conducting steam condensed in said chamber to the interiorof the ,warmingtable.,' Y 7 16. In apparatus for vmolding normallyproviding a steaming chamber for blanks, said chamber havinga waterreservoir in its lower part, means for admitting steam to said chamber,the condensed steam collecting in said reservoir,;and meansfor-conducting overflow water from said reservoir to the interior of thehollow table, l r V r I 17, In apparatus forv molding normally stiffsheet material, a hollow warming table for supporting blanks to bemolded, ahousing providing av steaming chamber for blanks, said chamberhaving a water reservoir in its lower part,f means determining the waterlevel in said reservoir, means'supplying steam for the chamber, thecondensed steam collecting in the reservoir, a pipe for conducting theoverflow wat'erjfrom the reservoir to the interior of said hollow tableand means de termining the water level in the latter.

7 18-. Apparatus for molding normally. stiff sheet material byhthecombineduse of heat and moisture comprising molding means, means forsupplying steam to the molding means, a support for a blankitobelmolded, and means for collecting steam condensed in the vicinity ofthe moldingmeans and conducting the hot condensate to the support,

for heating the latter. p

19. Apparatus for molding normallystilf sheet material by thecombineduse of heat and moisture comprising molding means, including ayielding cushion, a hood overhanging the cushion, and a heating chamberopening into the hood at the rear of and above the cushion. v

20. Apparatus for molding normally stiff sheet material-by thecombineduse of heat and moisture comprising moldingvmeans, in-

blank, saidshelfa having a stiff perforated r709 e0 stifi sheetmaterial, a hollow warm ng table for supporting blanks to be molded, ahousing eluding a yielding cushion, a housing at the roar of thecushion, said housing having a chamber for the reception of blanks to bemolded, the front wall of the chamber having an opening at a point abovethe cushion, means for supplying steam to said chamber, and a hoodoverhanging the cushion and the opening in the front wall of thechamber.

21. Apparatus for molding normally stiff sheet material by the combineduse of heat and moisture comprising molding means, including a yieldingcushion to support the material while being molded, and means partiallysurrounding the cushion whereby to maintain a warm atmosphere about thecushion during the molding operation.

22. Apparatus for molding normally stiff sheet material by the combineduse of heat and moisture comprising molding means including a yieldingcushion to support the material while being molded, a chamber in whichthe material is softened prior to mold ing, and means for shielding theblank while being transferred from the softening chamber to the cushion.

23. Apparatus for molding normally stiff sheet material by the combineduse of heat and moisture comprising molding means, including a yieldingcushion, means for heatin the cushion, and means overhanging the cushionproviding a heat retaining chamber open at its front to permitmanipulation of the material by the hand of the operator during molding,and means for conducting away fumes and vapor evolved during the moldingoperation.

24. Apparatus for use in making hollow shoe forms from sheet celluloidcomprising molding means including a pervious cushion, ahousingproviding a chamber for the reception of blanks to be molded,said'chamber having an opening in its wall, a hood overhanging thecushion and said opening in the wall of the chamber, a door for theopening, and means for supplying steam to the chamber and to theinterior of the cushion.

25. Apparatus for use in making hollow shoe forms from sheet celluloidcomprising molding means including a pervious cushion, a concave cradleunderlying and supporting the cushion. and means for supplying steam tothe interior of the cushion to inflate it.

26. Apparatus for use in making hollow shoe forms from sheet celluloidcomprising molding means including a substantially rectangularpillow-like cushion of pervious material, a substantiallysemi-cylindrical rigid cradle supporting the cushion, and means fordelivering steam to the interior of the cushion at its lowest point toinflate it.

27. Apparatus for use in making hollow shoe forms from sheet materialcomprising an inflatable cushion for supporting a blank while beingmolded, an oscillatory last support, means for rocking the last supportwhereby to press a last carried thereby into contact with a blankresting on the cushion, and means operating simultaneously with saidmovement of the last support for ad mittin steam to the interior of thecushion.

28. Apparatus for use in making hollow shoe forms from sheet materialcomprising an inflatable cushion for supporting a blank while beingmolded, means for moving a last forcibly against a blank resting on thecuslr ion, and means moving concomitantly with the movement of thelasttoward the cushion for admitting pressure fluid to the cushion.

29. Apparatus for use in making hollow shoe forms from sheet materialcomprising an inflatable cushion for supporting a blank while beingmolded, means actuable by the operator for moving a last forciblyagainst a blank resting on the cushion, a valve controlling theadmission of steam to the cushion, and means for opening said valve toadmit steam to the cushion at each movement of the last toward thecushion and for closing said valve as the last recedes from the cushion.

30. Apparatus for use in making hollow shoe forms or lasts from sheetmaterial comprising an inflatable cushion for supporting a blank whilebeing molded, a last support movable toward and from the cushion, apedal for moving the last support toward the cushion, and means actuableby the pedal as the last support moves toward the cushion for admittingsteam to the interior of the cushion.

31. Apparatus for use in making hollow forms or lasts from sheetmaterial comprising an inflatable cushion for supporting a blank whilebeing molded, a rock shaft provided with a last support, means normallyholding said shaft in inoperative position, a pedal, connections betweenthe pedal and shaft for rocking the latter to carry the last supporttoward the cushion, a normally closed valve for controlling theadmission of steam to the interior of the cushion, and means actuable bythe pedal for opening said valve as the last support approaches thecushion.

32. Apparatus for use in making hollow shoe forms or lasts from sheetmaterial comprising an inflatable cushion for supporting a blank whilebeing molded, a horizontal rock shaft extending across the front of thecushion, a last supporting jack carried by the shaft, a spring tendingto retain the shaft in inoperative position with the last jack remotefrom the cushion, a crank arm fixed to the shaft, a pedal lever,connection between the pedal lever and said crank arm for rocking theshaft when the pedal is depressed to swing the last supporting jacktoward the cushion, and means actuable' by the pedal for controlling theadmission of steam to the cush- 1011.

Apparatusffor use in making hollow shoe formsiorlasts from sheetmaterial comprising an inflatable cushion for supporting a blank whilebeing molded, a rockfsha-ft disposed transversely across the. front, ofthe cushion, adjustable bearings for the rock shaft permitting .it tobe'moved. bodily toward or from the; cushion, .a last supporting 1 jackcarriedby the shaft, and means for rocking the shaft to carry the jacktoward or. from the cushion.

34; Apparatus for use inymaking hollow shoe forms orlasts:fromsheet"material; comprising an inflatable cushion "forsupporting a blank while being molded, alast supporting :jack,means'forimovingthe jack toward and from the cushion, and means forvarying the positlon of thiepath'of movement of the jack to) accommodatedilferent lasts,

35. Apparatus forQuse "in making' .hollow forms or lasts fromsheetmaterial "compris' ing an'infiatable cushion for supporting'a ublankWhile beingl molded a rock shaft,a last supporting jack carriedwbythe-rock shaft, independently adjustable bearings for the opposite. endsofithe shaft, said bearings being adjustablevertically andfrom front torear, and means for rocking" the shaft. 1

'36. Apparatus for use; in making hollow forms or lasts fromsheetmaterial comprising an inflatable cushion '-;for supporting ablank whilebeing "molded, Ia. movable sup;

' port for a lastljaclnsaidsupport having; a

screw-threaded socket for the. reception of interchangeableacks ofdifferent styles, and

,mea'nsfrfor' moving said support tocarrya jack seated in socket towardand from the cushion. c 1 v J 37. Apparatusufor use in'maklng hollowshoe forms. from sheet material .comprlsing I an inflatable "cushion forsupporting a blank while being gmolded, a rock shaftdisposedtransversely of the cushio'msaid shaft'having a socket opening therein,a rack for-holding a plurality of interchangeable last jacks, each jackhavinga baseportion-shaped ito fit in the socket infthe shaft,'andmeans"for "rockingthe shaft to cause a jack seated in said socket-tomove toward or from the cushion.

i 38. Apparatus for'molding hollow'shoe forms or lasts from sheetcelluloid comprising an inflatable cushion, a valve f or controlling"the admission of steam -to"t-he cushion, and means-which openssaid-:-valve V luring each molding operation and'which "closes it in theintervals 7 between such operations. a a r 39. Apparatus for moldinghollow shoe forms or lasts fromfsheetcelluloid comprising a hollowcushion, means normally'admie' ting a small and substantially constant,supply of steamto'the cushiomand means for intermittently admittingalarger supply of steam to the cushion. 1 1. V I

40. Apparatusfor molding hollow shoe forms or lasts from sheet celluloidcomprising an inflatable cushion of pervious valve for bleeding a. smallquantity of steam into the cushion to keep the cushion warm, l

vmaterial,"means comprising an adjustable I 1 and means operativeintermittentlyfor'ad- .mitting a larger quantity of steam to thecushion-to inflateit. v "41, In apparatus for molding a shoe form orlast comprising a forepart memberf andia cross bar, said apparatushaving a heatingchamber for softening'the forepart" memberof the lastpriorto molding, a steam heated pad 'aformolding the "cross bar "to'shape, and, means for conducting exhaust V hollow steam frolnthe'crossbar molding padto the heating chamber;v 4

42. 'Apparatus of the class described-com- V prising; a perviousinflatable pad for molding one partfo'f a hollow sheet celluloid shoe toboth pad and cushion, means forconveying cooling thehollo-w form or lastafter molding. 44, In apparatus of the class described having a tablehaving" a centrally disposed inflatable "cushion for use in molding theforepart member of'a hollow celluloid form for last,'a guard walldisposed at either side of the cushion, a hood supportedupon the upperedges of'the guard walls, means carrie'd by the'hood for holding asupply-of crossbar members prior to application of form, a perviouscushionfo'r molding another "part of saidform, means for supplyingsteamclass described such cross bar members to the hollow-form,

' andmeans for supplying steam to the cushion for inflating the latter,the heat rising from the cushion warming the hood and the cross barholding means.

' 5. In apparatus of the class described having a table provided with. acentrally disposed inflatable cushion for' use in molding 'the'forepart[me1nber of a hollow celluloid shoe form or last,' a guard wall disposedat either side of the cushion,'a hood supported upon the upper edges ofthe guard walls, a

hollow warmingshelf below the table for supportingv a supply. offorepart blanks,

means for supplying steam to the interior of V denscd steam escapingfrom the cushion to dwarming shelf. V A s a vthe cushion, and means forconducting-con 46. In apparatus of the class described having means foruse in molding the forepart member of a hollow celluloid form or last bythe use of heat, a guard wall disposed at either side of the moldingmeans, a hood supported upon the upper edges of the guard walls,independent means carried by the hood for suppr'irting supplies of leftand right cross bar blanks, respecti'x' ely', and means below themolding means for supporting and warming a supply of forepart blanks.

47. In apparatus of the class described comprising means for supportingand warming a supply of cross bar blanks, and means for applying fluidto the ends of the cross bar blanks, said fluid applying means beingadjustabl y supported to permit it to be moved laterally with respect tothe forepart forming means.

w 48. In apparatus having means for use in molding the forepa'rt memberof a hollow celluloid shoe form or last, means for supporting a supplyof cross bar blanks, a shelf, a reservoir holder 5 carried by the shelf,the holder being adjustableabout a vertical axis, and a reservoircarried by the holder for supplying attaching fluid to the ends of thecross bar blanks.

49. Apparatus of the class described com- 30 prising a U-shaped tablehaving a central or .rear portion and forwardly directed wings, aconcave cradle disposed at the cen tral portion of the table, a pillowof textile material disposed within said cradle, means :33 for supplyingsteam to inflate the pillow,- a guard wall at each side of and at theback of the pillow, a hollow housing secured to said back wall, saidhousing having a chamber provided with an opening just above said backwall, moisture absorbent shelves in said chambers. means for supplyingsteam to the chamber,- aud a hood above the pillow.

50. In apparatus of the class described for use in making hollow shoeforms from sheet celluloid by the use of heat, a cooling devicecomprising a substantially horizontal cylindrical casing: having an o-ieuing'r in its periphe *a]. wall.- nu ela ic air-tig- .t bag; withinthe casing. and means for admitting air .5 under pressure to the bag"-to inflate the bag and thereby cause a portion thereof toprotrudethrough the opening in the casing.

51. in apparatus for use in molding holln'w shoe forms from sheetcelluloid by the use of heat. means for cooling 2 part of the form aftermolding comprising a cylindrical shell having means for securing it inhorizontal position, said shell having an elongate axially extendingslot in the upper portion (1 of its cylindrical wall, and an inflatablerubber ba within the shell having a portion exposed through said openin52. In apparatus for use in molding hollow shoe forms from sheetcelluloid by the (Tl use of heat and having a table",- an inflatable ofthe" class described cushion carried by the table, means for admittingsteam to'the cushion to inflate it A and means for moving a shoe-lasttoward the cushion-to conform a forepart blank resting on the cushion tothe shape of the formelast means for cooling the molded blank, saidcooling means comprising an elongate rubber bag inflated with air andpresenting a broad upwardly convex surface.

53. That process of molding hollow shoe forms or lasts from blanks ofnormally still sheet material which comprises as steps subjecting theblank to the action of a; medium adapted to soften and increase thepl'iability of the blank, transferring the treated blank and furthersubjecting it to the action of the medium, moving the blank to themolding position while continuing to subject it to; the

action of the medium, there increasing its pliabi-lity and molding itabout a shoe last. 5 That process of molding h'ol liow shoe forms orlasts from blanks of normally stiff sheet material which comprises assteps subjecting the blank to the action of a medium adapted to softenand increase the pliabi'lity of the blank, transferring the treatedblank to the molding, position while continuing to subject it to theaction of the medium, further increasing its pliability, and thereuponmolding the blank about a shoe last.

55. That process of molding hollow shoe forms or lasts from blanks ofnormally stiff sheet material which comprises as steps subjecting theblank to the action of a medium adapted to soften and increase theplialoility of the blank, transferring the treated blank to the moldingposition while retaining, it in the condition to which it was brought bythe medium, molding the blank against a shoe last by a combination ofpressure and manual manipulation and subjecting the blank to heat duringsuch manipulation.

56*. That process of molding hollow shoe forms or lasts from blanks ofnormally stiff sheet material which comprises as stops prelimin arilyshaping" the blank over a last,

pressing; the fore part of the: blankbctwceu the last and ayieldingsurface, subjecting: the blank to heat and: moisture and, whilethe blank is so pressed an d subjected, drawing the side portions of theblank over said last and securing them temporarily thereto.

57. That process of molding hollow shoe Forms or lasts from blanks ofnormally still sheet material which comprises as steps pro liminarilyshaping the blank over a last, pressing the fore part of the blankbetween the last and a yielding surface, whereby the forward edge of theblank is bent over onto the sole of the last, subjecting the blank toheat and moisture'and, while the blank is so pressed and subjected,drawing the side porpious of the blank over'o'nto the sole of the ast.

58. That process of molding hollow shoe forms or lasts from blanks ofnormally stifi' 7 sheet material which comprises as steps preliminarilyshaping theblank over a last, pressing the fore part of the blankbetween V the last and a yielding surface, whereby the

